It’s been a while since we’ve had an Amrut. This Amrut Intermediate Sherry, launched in 2010, had a complex maturation: first in ex-bourbon and new oak casks, then in sherry and finally in bourbon again. The spirit was shipped to Spain (and filled casks back to India) in order to avoid infection problems with shipping empty sherry casks (and the even more problematic desinfectation with sulphur sticks).

Amrut Intermediate ‘sherry matured’ (57,1%, OB 2010)

Nose: light sherry notes, locum or raspberry macaroons rather than the usual figs and dried fruits. Blueberries. Hints of Mandarine Napoleon as well. Spiced up by some exotic notes of ginger and flowers. Vanilla cake. A very sensual type of sherry, which in a way reminds me of Glenmorangie Sonnalta. Mouth: rich and fruity, sweet and again more candied and feminine than other sherry bottlings. Oranges, grapes and cherries. Plum jam. Locum again (rosewater). A whole array of spices (cinnamon, light pepper, anise). A little leather and a faint oaky touch as well. Finish: medium long, very fruity with a gentle zesty bitterness.

This half-sherried Amrut is a very successful experiment. The smoothness of the sherry is amazing and the bourbon oak adds compexity with vanilla and spices. Great stuff and there are still a few bottles out there. Around € 80.

Score: 90/100